Seoul
Insadong & Bukchon
Sava Bobov / Unsplash
Traditional Seoul — hanok villages, tea houses, and the finest Korean craft shops.
Insadong and the adjacent Bukchon Hanok Village represent traditional Seoul: the neighbourhood of art galleries, antique dealers, traditional tea houses, and the best place to buy quality Korean craft objects. Bukchon's preserved hanok alleyways give a sense of Seoul before modernisation. Gyeongbokgung Palace is a 10-minute walk. The area is tourist-focused but in a more cultural way than Myeongdong.
Scores
Walkability
Transit
Price
Local feel
Nightlife
Family-friendly
Centrality
What you gain
- ↑Bukchon Hanok Village: the most atmospheric traditional streetscape in Seoul; best before 9am before tour groups
- ↑Insadong Ssamziegil: multi-level art market with quality Korean crafts, ceramics, and unique objects
- ↑Gyeongbokgung Palace a 15-minute walk; hire hanbok for the traditional photography experience
What you sacrifice
- ↓Very touristy around Bukchon — the "hidden village" quality has been entirely consumed by visitors
- ↓Almost no nightlife; the area shuts down by 9pm
- ↓Accommodation in the area is modest; better to stay here for the daytime and sleep elsewhere
Best for
Avoid if
Other Seoul neighbourhoods
Seoul's university and arts district — the K-pop buskers, the club scene, and the most energetic neighbourhood in the city.
Seoul's commercial and tourist centre — K-beauty, street food, and the easiest base for first-timers.
Seoul's international neighbourhood — the best bar scene, global food, and the most diverse crowd in the city.
Know where to stay — now find when to go.
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